My Happy Place (Mountains) Coaster

When engraving on an object that won't be cut out, I find it is best to start by setting up the workspace.  Here i am working with a 4x4 inch slate coaster.  I inserted a simple 4x4 square to define this workspace.

In XCS, I don't know of a way to add text on top of an image that is to be engraved.  The issue is that the text would be engraved on top of the images, which may result in double engraving in that specific area.  This might be ok in some areas, but in our case it would erase the text.

To solve this problem, import the image into an image editing software.  I am using PowerPoint add the text as there are several options to adjust text.  

When finished, just export the image or take a screenshot of the image.

When engraving on slate, the area the laser burns is light color and the area not engraved are dark.  To help make the output of your design have the right contrast, we need to invert the colors.  If you are using a Windows PC, the built in paint app is a good tool for this task.  

simply import the image and select all.  Next right click on the selection and choose “invert colors”  Now save the image

Now import the image in XCS and size it to match the square we drew at the beginning.  I have made the image slightly larger so that it will burn over the edge of the coaster.  You can then remove, or select to “ignore” the square.